Pep Guardiola finds himself in unusual territory as he tries to work out how to turn things around at Manchester City after a surprise slump following eight years of almost unbroken success.

City's 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday was a third straight loss for the English champions -- the first time that has happened since 2018.

Midfielder Bernardo Silva said the side were in a "dark place" after the defeats against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting in three different competitions.

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But Guardiola had a more optimistic outlook, pledging to "fight and not give up".

When Guardiola confirmed in late September that Spain midfielder Rodri would miss the rest of the campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, it felt potentially seismic.

City's squad is packed with talent but Rodri is the man who makes them tick -- he is on a personal unbeaten run spanning 52 Premier League fixtures.

Last month the 28-year-old won the men's Ballon d'Or award in recognition of his achievements with City and Spain.

Guardiola has also been without a clutch of other stars this season.

Kevin De Bruyne returned as a late substitute against Lisbon -- his first appearance since mid-September.

Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish and John  Stones did not travel to Portugal, while other players have also been struggling with injury, including Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.
 

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Source: BBC 

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